dianelyons

The culottes are designed to sit at the natural (or actual) waist, and I do think they look better worn that way. I tend to wear most pants and jeans lower on the waist, but I would encourage you to wear these higher. We’ve sort of forgotten where our actual waists are over the past ten years of fashion, haven’t we?

Yes, we could do a sew-along! You may need to give me a little time to prepare for that. We’ve got the School Days Jacket coming up next month, and then the holidays will be upon us, but maybe in January? We’d also like to do a Bistro Dress sew-along.

Yes, we could do a sew-along! You may need to give me a little time to prepare for that. We’ve got the School Days Jacket coming up next month, and then the holidays will be upon us, but maybe in January? We’d also like to do a Bistro Dress sew-along.

There isn’t much ease between the waist and the waistband, so it might be a good idea to go back and check each step and all your markings? Or could the waist have stretched?

Hey, this is so great! I may need to throw a few samples into the mix myself. I’m up to my knees in them and don’t have time to list them for sale or anything… and S has just outgrown nearly everything she owns.

Hi all! Thanks for your responses to this! I should say that this particular skirt does run small. It’s a very slim-fitting skirt, so even if your child is measuring small you probably shouldn’t size down very much. The elastic at the back waist will cinch up any extra width, and smaller kids will want the extra room for movement anyway. Those…[Read more]

Hi Maria,
Yes, the pattern is wider at the back than the front. Sounds strange, I know, but if gives a nice fit this way!

Yes, this style is not as fitted as some of our other styles. The dress is intended to be a looser fit, not a very fitted style. But if you find it to be roomier than you prefer, you could certainly refer to the finished measurement chart to choose the size you prefer. I hope that helps!

I can’t seem to find it now, but there was a cute one that cut the front stitching line on the fold to make a basic blouse with jewel neckline/no placket. Can’t remember if it was Instagram or maybe Pinterest?

And again thanks to Kim for updating her checklist once again. You can download a version of the latest file with this link.

Oh yes, we’d love to add plus sizes to our patterns! It’s one of my goals for 2014. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple process and requires development of entirely new patterns, along with separate grading, testing, etc. We can’t simply grade the existing patterns up to make more sizes–it’s really like starting from scratch. And with my plate as…[Read more]

Yes, you can absolutely remove the back seam! We added in rather late in the process because 1) it gives a little more shaping and 2) it allows you to use less fabric because you don’t need to cut on the fold. But by all means, change it! Our first samples were cut on fold and worked just fine. I prefer it without the seam, too, but fabric economy…[Read more]

They are metal.

They are metal.

OK, for those of you looking for snaps for the Lullaby Layette set, we now have them in stock in the shop.
Here are the snaps (available in ten packs in six different colors):
http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-LCS0002.html
And here is the handy SnapSetter tool that makes applying the snaps super-easy.
http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-LCS00023.html

Pippi, that tape used to finish the neckline is really for aesthetic reasons–to cover the merrow/serger stitching. I suppose it might also stabilize the neck a bit too, but the fabric itself is mostly responsible for the neckline. A knit with good recovery (it bounces back to its original shape after being stretched) will do fine. Knits without…[Read more]

Alright, sillies. I totally missed this whole exchange last week. Nicole, if you’d like to guest post it for us we’d be absolutely delighted, but I totally understand if you want it for your own blog. Invitation is open, ok? Drop me a line if you want to write it for us and I’ll tell you what we need in terms of photo sizes, etc.
Regarding the…[Read more]

Lattemama, City Weekend knits (I’m amazed you still have some!) are an interlock, which isn’t fantastic for recovery but would certainly work. They’ll get a little baggy in the knees, yes. If you’re looking for good recovery, jersey is better and jersey with a tiny bit of lycra is best. So maybe save the City Weekend for the tunic or dress instead?

Lattemama, City Weekend knits (I’m amazed you still have some!) are an interlock, which isn’t fantastic for recovery but would certainly work. They’ll get a little baggy in the knees, yes. If you’re looking for good recovery, jersey is better and jersey with a tiny bit of lycra is best. So maybe save the City Weekend for the tunic or dress instead?

Keep in mind that 25% stretch is not very much! Cotton jersey will work just fine. Something with a TINY bit of lycra/spandex will have better recovery, but you don’t want a power stretch. We’re not making swimsuits here! I made S’s leggings with ordinary cotton jersey, so don’t worry too much about getting fancy with these. Dry Goods had a nice…[Read more]